Price check: Price is coming off his team-record-setting 14-strikeout performance in Toronto and had a 3-2 record and 2.13 ERA in August. He is 4-1, 2.98 in seven starts vs. Baltimore, though 0-1, 5.54 in two this year.

Zach attack: Britton, 23, has had a decent rookie season and has won two straight, including a win over the Yankees in which he threw seven shutout innings. He is 1-1 with a 3.18 ERA in two starts vs. the Rays.

RHP James Shields is on pace for the third-largest year-to-year improvement in ERA since the start of divisional play in 1969:

Pitcher, years ERAs Diff.

Bert Blyleven, 1988-89 5.43-2.73 2.70

Darryl Kile, 1999-2000 6.61-3.91 2.70

James Shields, 2010-11 5.18-2.84 2.34

Mike Hampton, 2002-03 6.15-3.84 2.31

Frank Viola, 1983-84 5.49-3.21 2.28

Source: STATS Inc.

Job conflict

OF Brandon Guyer's wife, Lindsay Murphy, wasn't able to make it to Texas or even watch Thursday's game because she had to work. Her assignment as a sports anchor for Washington's Fox 5 TV station: covering the Bucs-Redskins game.

Message of the day

Before flying home early to prepare for tonight's start, LHP David Price left a message on the clubhouse whiteboard: Love you guys! Win tonight for me!!!